Cuttle-bone

Sepia species

These hard, ridged, shield-like objects have a soft spongy inner layer and are frequently found on beaches, often in great clumps after storms. They are in fact the internal shells of cuttlefish, relatives of the octopus and squid. Live cuttlefish resemble short stout squid and are often seen around seaweed and reefs. The cuttle-bone is commonly used as calcium supplements for caged birds.

There are many different species worldwide and several unique ones in Queensland’s waters.

Cuttle-bone (Sepia species), Wild Guide to Moreton Bay

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